St. Ansgar Lutheran Church, often called the Church in the Valley, was organized in 1889 by early settlers of Norwegian descent in Wright Township, Dickey County, North Dakota. Before the church was built in 1914, services were held in homes and later in Wright Township Schoolhouse No. 1. The building stands on two acres donated by J.G. Mattson and measures 30 by 62 feet with a full basement. Its oak altar, communion rail, three large chairs, pulpit, baptismal font, and pews, all still in use, were donated by the Ladies Aid, and the large bell in the tower was donated by B.L. Nelson, Sr. and Mrs. Juberg. The congregation grew from the first settlement in the area, when on March 28, 1882, Lars Holm and Peder Jorgensen claimed land that later became Section 12 of Wright Township, then returned to their camp five miles up the river to wait for spring before building sod homes. By May 7, their families from Wisconsin had joined them, bringing bibles and sermon books. In 1883 more Norwegian families arrived, and in the spring of 1884 the Rev. Hill came from Lisbon to baptize Tilda Jorgenson, Isa Thompson, and Gilbert Holm at the home of Peder Jorgensen and his wife. As settlement increased, the Rev. Rogne of the Norske Synode came part time from Ellendale, and services were held in the Wright Schoolhouse, where the congregation held its first Christmas program on December 24, 1885. In 1889 the pioneers formally organized the congregation and, at the suggestion of the Rev. Heiberg, gave it the name St. Ansgar. The church continued through many hard times with strong faith and a supportive congregation, and by June 1989 it celebrated its 100th Heritage of Faith Anniversary. Though no longer made up entirely of people of Norwegian heritage, the small congregation continues to welcome and serve those who come to the valley.